The festival wrapped up in its usual style as hundreds of revelers gathered on the snow-covered River Ranch patio to view a vast selection of snow sculptures created that day. The contest pits local teams against each other trying to win the most points, as awarded by an illustrious panel of judges, for their sculpture entry.

This year's contestants, which included several local restaurants and businesses, created some wildly innovative sculptures. Spectators watched as intricate and colorful carvings were formed from what started as piles of fresh snow. Each entry had a special theme or focus, ranging from Olympic curling, to the highway 89 roundabout.

In another suprise tie during the Snow Festival (two Festival Queens were crowned), two snow sculptures were awarded first place: Sierra Vista Restaurant, for their elaborate "Olympic Curling" design, and Trilogy Spa, for their intricate "Ocean Meets Mountains" sculpture. "Accident Waiting to Happen", by the Callahan family, took third place.

"This year was a bit more challenging because it takes more effort to shape and sculpt with fresh snow," commented River Ranch owner Bric Haley. "Even so, these were great sculptures that have set a new level for next year."

Other events for the final weekend of the festival, which opened ten days earlier, also in a blizzard, included the Dress Up Your Dog Contest, the Kings Beach Parade, the Diamond Peak Dummy Downhill, and the Snow Feast and Fiesta.

"All in all it was a great festival," stated festival director, Eric Brandt. "We're already talking about plans for next year."

The ongoing weather system, which has brought over ten feet of new snow since March 1, is forecast to continue through the coming week, prompting many to pronounce this month 'Miracle March' and 'March-uary'.